Canberra HC went down 43:40, to Harbourside Titans, in their opening match of the season in Sydney yesterday.

Harbourside, featuring former Sydney Uni stars Kenneth Toerlen and Havard Tonnessen, took the lead from the start and maintained it right through the match, the duo scoring 21 of Harbourside's goals.

Canberra too received a boost from Milan Slavujevic who joined the club this year, after a one-year break from the game. The former national team star top-scored in the match with 12 goals. Despite his efforts, the team failed to do enough in defence to thwart Harbourside's attack.

Making their first appearances for Canberra were also Andrew Lawrence on the wing and left back Andrew Hunter who had an impressive debut with five long-range goals.

Next week, Canberra travels to Sydney again for the match against last year's champions, Sydney Uni. Sydney Uni also had a disappointing start to the season going down to Hills Heat 21:20.

Match facts

Harbourside Titans def Canberra HC 43:40

Harbourside Titans (43): Dave Lucas, Kenneth Toerlen (11), Havard Tonnessen (10), Michael Thomas (5), Lucas Frey (6), Luis Frey (3) Mitchell Hedges, Kenneth Ronningen (3), Dan Rudi, Bjron Rognhaug (1), Alex McLaughlin (4), Luke Nounan.

Canberra HC (40): Jamie Richardson, Dragan Radicoski (4), Andrew Lawrence (1), Daniel Doring (10), Andrew Hunter (5), Milan Slavujevic (12), Zlatan Ivankovic (5), Sasha Petrovski (2)and Lucas Konradt (1)